Belleville News-Democrat

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new statewide restrictions on retailers as cases, deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 surge uncontrollably.

A new study in Illinois shows that, while in-person learning in schools might lead to the spread of coronavirus cases, hybrid learning plans might not be worse for community spread than full remote learning.

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, has won his bid for re-election in Illinois’ 12th Congressional District.

Voters in Cahokia, Alorton and Centreville on Tuesday approved a proposal to merge their towns to create a new city called “Cahokia Heights,” according to unofficial returns.

After only 2½ weeks, Illinois is reinstituting COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants in the Metro East starting Wednesday. Bars and restaurants are again barred from serving guests indoors, and they will have to cut service at 11 p.m. each night. The establishments also must require reservations and space tables at least six feet apart. Gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of a room’s overall capacity.

The Metro East Sanitary District has ended a feral cat program, aimed to save cats from being euthanized. They hunt for levee-damaging rodents. The Metro East Humane Society says political power moves may have led to cat neglect and possible death.

Community Life Line received a $1 million grant from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund - the largest award given to a St. Clair County organization by the fund to date.

The decisions of some Metro East restaurant owners to resume indoor service flies in the face of coronavirus guidelines from public health experts.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposes new restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the state.